SINGAPORE: President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong have written to Qatar’s ruler to express their condolences following the passing of the former emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
Sheikh Hamad died on Jul 12 at the age of 74.
Coordinating Minister for National Security and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam, along with Senior Advisor in the Prime Minister’s Office Teo Chee Hean, will represent Singapore in conveying condolences to the Qatar royal family at Lusail Palace on Jul 14, Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said on Monday (Jul 13).
Sheikh Hamad presided over one of the most consequential periods in the country’s history, driving a rapid transformation of the tiny desert state that reshaped its economy, global profile and political ambition. In 2013, he broke with tradition by abdicating and handing power to his son, current emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
In his letter, President Tharman described Sheikh Hamad as an “exceptional statesman” whose “visionary leadership transformed Qatar and elevated its standing on the global stage”.
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